Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising Manual | Version: February, 2019

Equipment The following is a list of equipment needed to train and care for a GDB puppy. Additional items might be required for specific training or grooming purposes. Training Aids

• A 5-6 ft. leather leash (5/8” wide) is provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind with the first puppy raised. This leash should be kept by the raiser for use with subsequent puppies. Additionally leashes may be purchased on the GDB website.

• A 4 ft. nylon line to be used as a puppy leash and later as a short dragline is provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind

• A cable tie-down (length: 30 inches) is provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind with the first puppy raised. This tie-down should be kept by the raiser for subsequent puppies. Additional tie-downs may be purchased on the GDB website.

• A long line, between 15 and 30 feet, will be needed later in the puppy’s training to practice recalls. It also may be useful in allowing the puppy to exercise in an unfenced area.

• A headcollar will be provided by GDB. As the puppy grows, it will need successively larger sizes. Each puppy will also receive a small and adult size nylon buckle collar that should remain on the puppy at all times.

• A bait bag for food rewards. A larger type with a hinge clasp is highly recommended. General Supplies

• Stainless steel food and water dishes, 2 qt. size should be adequate. Dishes should be rinsed after every feeding.

• Large size travel crate (24" wide x 36" long x 26" high) • This size will accommodate most of our adult dogs. Some clubs have a few smaller crates to loan out

to aid in housetraining young puppies. • Enzyme cleaner (Nature's Miracle� is highly recommended) • A good enzyme cleaner removes urine smell and reduces the chance that the puppy will relieve in the

same area again. • A first aid kit

Grooming Supplies

• Baby wipes to clean the outside of ears (alcohol-free, non-scented) • Ear cleaner - provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind • Either a soft slicker brush or a rubber curry brush and a comb (The type of brush will depend on the

breed of dog; raisers should consult with leader). • Toenail clippers and/or Dremmel type tool (see Nail Trimming document) • Styptic powder (to control bleeding if toenail quick is cut) • Toothbrush and toothpaste (Use only special toothpaste made for dogs. Human toothpaste can

make a puppy sick) – provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Coat and Equipment Guidelines Guide Dogs for the Blind provides the leader of each group with green puppy coats in a variety of sizes. Puppy raisers will receive a puppy coat when their puppies are ready to be socialized in public and with each successive size as the puppy grows. Only the club leader or CFR can decide when a puppy is ready to be out in public wearing a puppy jacket. Puppies should wear this coat whenever they are in public, especially in a place where dogs are not normally allowed. The coat provides a visual explanation to the public as to why the puppy is in an area where dogs may not normally be allowed. These guidelines are not meant to discourage

Guide Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raising Manual | Version: February, 2019

raisers from having fun with puppies at special club meetings/parties and at GDB Fun Days. It is not appropriate for GDB puppies to wear costumes in public, but at special events, such as a puppy club Halloween party, dressing up a pup is allowed.

• The coat is also a symbol of the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Only GDB puppies may to wear a puppy coat. It is never to be used on a career change dog or any other family pet.

• Puppy coats should be kept clean and in good condition with no obvious wear and tear. • Puppies should wear only the puppy coats, collars, head collars, and other approved items provided

by GDB; no additional items should be worn or added (i.e. bandannas, other patches, etc.) without the approval of the CFR.

• Head collars may only be tan, green, or black. • No additional items should be added to the puppy coat, including pins, buttons, or other adornments. • Puppy coats are the property of GDB and must be returned to the leader when the puppy leaves the

group. Toys Please see the “Puppy Raising Toy Policy” Equipment Items to Return to GDB at Recall At the time of the puppy’s recall, Guide Dogs for the Blind requests that raisers return puppy coats, head collars, and any unused supplies. These supplies may be returned to the leader or to the campus.